Obama vs. business

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Does this sound to you like the Obama administration takes seriously the concerns of American business that its economic policies are hurting the private sector? Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner on CNBC’s Kudlow Report:

I think businesses are doing now what businesses always do, which is they want their taxes lower and they’d like to operate with less regulation, as they always do. Our job, though, is to make sure, again, we’re creating the conditions that make this economy work better for the country as a whole. Now, just remember, when the president stepped into this job, business of America was out of business.

This Geithner guy, I just don’t know. Coming from the New York Fed, I figured he was one of those brainiacs that periodically appear in America at just the right time. An IQ so high only a dog can hear it, that sort of thing. But he’s a boob! Can’t even pay his taxes right. This remark to (I guess) Larry Kudlow reveals the depth of Mr. Geithner’s shallowness. The great one must have had a time restraining himself.

Tim is indicative of a DC based chameleon. It spouts the colors of in the moment politi-think regardless of hysterical perspective or rationality. Oops I’ve landed here so I must say this. It goes to show that just because you live and hobnob in the world of high finance it doesn’t mean you should be taken seriously.

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James Pethokoukis is the Money & Politics columnist for Reuters Breakingviews. Previously, he was the business editor and economics columnist for U.S. News & World Report. Pethokoukis has written for many publications including The New York Times, The Weekly Standard, Commentary, USA Today, and Investor's Business Daily. Pethokoukis is also an official CNBC contributor. In addition, he has appeared numerous times on MSNBC, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, The McLaughlin Group, CNN, and Nightly Business Report on PBS. A graduate of Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism, Pethokoukis is a 2002 Jeopardy! champion. james.pethokoukis@thomsonreuters.com